my first comedy plot draft is very bland. how far can I go on calling this out?"my primary character basically has one of the most classic origin stories..." That might not be a bad thing. This archetype probably rose to prominence because it's good. Especially if you thought it up without consciously copying something else. Will it seem cliched? That's a separate issue. But you can't throw away everything in your book because it's like something that's been done before.

Genre conventions: Which end do readers expect?@what, you seem to believe your question is much clearer and more straightforward than all of the people who have answered/commented on it. There are details in your mind that aren't in your question. With the question you asked though, this is the best answer you will get.

May16

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Storyboard a Novel?I've heard of authors drawing up scenes to get into their heads what's happening (though watch out - the reader can't see the drawings, don't end up too light on descriptions).